Filipino culture has always made a big deal out of celebrating weddings but, recently, social media has made it seem that celebrating this event in the most grand and magical of ways was mandatory for couples. We’re not saying it’s bad or anything, but this mentality has definitely helped the wedding industry evolve by making consumers (read: starry-eyed, lovey-dovey couples) seek out different services that would make their special day the special-est it could be.

Maybe that’s why these geniuses got on board the money train that is the wedding industry even before it took off. Whether you call it business intuition, an adventurous investment, or just plain luck doesn’t really matter because these guys are making it big in the business of commitment—and most of them are saying it might not be too late for you to get a slice of this wedding cake.

ROWELL OCTAVIOManaging Director, Eleventh Management

When did you start the business?

We started April 2007 as Supernatural Management and eventually changed the company name to Eleventh Management in 2016 for easier brand recall.

Why would a person want to get into this type of business?

I got into this line of work because I’m interested arts, entertainment, and management. If you’re like me and you hate waking up early in the morning to struggle your way through traffic just to sit in front of a computer for eight hours then this type of business might be right for you. I hate being stuck in a routine and want to be flexible in terms of creativity and managing things. Different clients mean different requirements and standards you need to meet.

How would you compare your business to others when it comes to financial profit?

This business won’t probably give you multi-million peso revenue because it’s quite impossible to execute events 365 days of the year. But what you can do to gain more profit is to provide other services related to the event like flower arranging, event styling, music, and even have your own photo and video services. The wedding events business offers many ways to generate revenue and is definitely worth getting into.

How much capital would you need in order to start the business?

I almost want to say “laway lang ang puhunan” because you use your skills. Your clients will pay for all the event requirements. So you actually don’t need capital. Even if you aren’t in this business, you would probably already have internet connection, laptop, a mobile phone, and office supplies needed to be able to send proposals and print documents necessary to start planning an event. Having an office is an advantage, but isn’t really needed.

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What are the basic tools you would need to start the business?

A strong network in the event industry is necessary because you need the buying power for your events. Strong relationships with your suppliers mean better deals for you and your clients.

How much have you expanded the business since you started?

We started as coordinators or event organizers relying on event management fees. But as we grew the business, we ventured into flowers and event styling, printing invitations, and even customizing gowns and entourage dresses from raw materials for weddings.

For people who are just starting to get into your field, what are the first investments they would have to make if they wanted to improve the quality of their services/products?

Invest more time for your clients, and do research on new trends and ideas.

How much do you charge for your services and how have your rates changed throughout the years? Did the recent TRAIN law affect your rates?

Clients have different tastes and standards. Each wedding or event has a different requirement so we don’t have standard packages. We started in 2007 at P7,500 for on-the-day coordination and P15,000 for full-planning service. Currently, Eleventh is charging from P40,000 to P120,000 for standalone wedding planning services. Rates will adjust accordingly for all-in package arrangements, depending on the extensiveness of their wedding and/or event requirements. One thing we always say to our clients is that we can always work with their given budget.

GERALD TEJADAOwner, Mode Photo Booth

When did you start the business?

We launched in May 2017, but basic preparation, such as purchasing equipment and the bare essentials, began in December 2016. The months in between were devoted to finalizing the brand, concept, and strategy of the business.

Why would a person want to get into this type of business?

We felt there was a need to update and upscale the photo booth, which has been stuck in 2007, and bring it to the present. With a background in photography, advertising, and design, we were perfect for the job. Someone would want to get into this type of business because it’s considered “easy money.” Weddings and birthdays happen every day no matter the weather.

How would you compare your business to others when it comes to financial profit?

This would be a great business to get into if you’re after those fat cheques. But if you really look into it and actually start your business, you’ll realize that a lot more goes into making it successful. Customer service, quality, and the ability to set yourself apart from the competition are essential to see long-term success.

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How much capital would you need?

P100,000 would be the base capital needed to be able to purchase good quality equipment for most photo booths.

What are the basic tools you would need to start the business?

You’d need a camera, a printer, and a photo booth program.

How much have you expanded the business since you started?

Since we started, we’ve grown quite a lot in terms of popularity and influence. We have no plans of franchising or creating a bigger team. Being a small team is part of our strategy and our brand.

For people who are just starting to get into your field, what are the first investments they would have to make if they wanted to improve the quality of their services and/or products?

Investment in equipment is the most essential.

How much do you charge for your services and how have your rates changed throughout the years? Did the recent TRAIN law affect your rates?

Since we aren't even a year old yet, the rates of our packages have yet to change. What we have changed, though, are the cost of our out-of-town fees due to the heightened price of gas.

How would you compare your business to others when it comes to financial profit?

If I could compare it to covering other events, weddings are harder since lagi kang on the move. Sa wedding minsan ka lang talaga makakain sa sobrang busy. That’s why you have the right to ask for a certain amount if you really put in a lot of work, especially if may album pa silang papagawa. In other assignments, usually USB lang madalas yung hinihingi.

How much capital would you need in order to start the business?

Around P80K for a full-frame low light camera, speed light, and two lenses.

What are the basic tools you would need to start the business?

Dapat di ka mahiyain and malakas ka mambola, ha ha! If the couple feels comfortable with you gaganda talaga yung photos. It also helps if you make time to meet the couple before the wedding. You also need to learn what moments to capture.

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How much have you expanded the business since you started?

Since I’ve upgraded lenses, I’ve been able to capture shots that I couldn’t before. Parang with better equipment, may access ka to more artsy shots kaysa simpleng documentation lang.

For people who are just starting to get into your field, what are the first investments they would have to make if they wanted to improve the quality of their services and/or products?

I decided to get into the wedding industry because I felt that being a filmmaker, I have this duty to capture special memories of people in love. It’s like giving somebody an actual time machine, every time they play the wedding video, it brings them back to a time when love was young and real.

How would you compare your business to others when it comes to financial profit?

Well, for starters, you need to know and understand what you’re getting into. I’m not really here for profit, but don’t get me wrong, being paid well is always, well, good.

How much capital would you need in order to start the business?

Depends on what kind of quality you’re offering, if you wanna give your client the best then get the best equipment. If you want to settle for something just fine, then you’re probably good with a starter pack that might cost you around P200,000.

What are the basic tools you would need to start the business?

Cameras and editing tools.

How much do you charge for your services and how have your rates changed throughout the years? Did the recent TRAIN law affect your rates?

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No specifics since it would usually depend on the project, but yes, the TRAIN law did affect my line of work gastos-wise. I guess that’s just the way it is. You’ve got to give some to gain some.